Return to coaching ‘not on the radar right now’ for Ticats’ Orlondo Steinauer, but ‘never say never’

Hamilton Tiger-Cats President of Football Operations Orlondo Steinauer is still referred to as “Coach” by many in the CFL, but he has no current plans to return to the outside line.

There have been rumors that the 52-year-old footballer is a candidate for the position of head coach in Toronto And Ottawa it's the offseason but declined the opportunity to interview the Argonauts. He responded to rumors about his desire to return to coaching in recent appearance on Sportsline CHCH Podcast with Bubba O'Nealexpressing a lack of immediate interest while keeping your options open.

“I'm not ruling out that kind of thing, but I'm saying the same thing when there were rumors that I was leaving Hamilton and going elsewhere,” Steinauer said. “Right now I'm where my feet are. I'm focused on 2026 and helping build the best football team we can every step of the way.”

“We have bowl games coming up, then we obviously have free agency, then we have to get ready for the CFL Draft, and then there's the Combine, and obviously the CFL Draft and the Global Draft. That's really my goal, and that's why I say never say never, but (returning to coaching) is not on the radar right now. It's all about building a championship roster and environment for the 2026 season, for the ultimate goal that we all know, right now we're just let’s focus on the daily process.”

Steinauer was the Ticats' head coach from 2019 to 2023, compiling a 39-29 record. He was named CFL Coach of the Year in 2019 and led the team to back-to-back Gray Cups, losing both times.

Despite never missing the playoffs in four seasons at the helm, the Seattle, Washington native resigned from coaching duties following the 2023 season to focus on its role in football operations. Scott Milanovich took over as head coach and went 18-18 in two seasons, finishing first in the East Division in 2025 before losing in the East finals.

Some wondered if Steinauer would be satisfied working solely in the front office, given his passion for coaching and the success he has already achieved in that position. However, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame seems to be entering this new phase of his career.

“Obviously it's different than being in front of a football team, but I kind of have a different team. All the department heads and everyone else, that's my team now,” he explained, noting that he's still getting his skills on the field.

“Obviously, I have coaching experience. Scott and I talk football all the time, so I don't just sit at the table. I go out on the practice field; I don't have some kind of bird's eye view of practice, but I just assess everything and take notes. I sit there on the ground floor. I sit in meetings. When Scott needs something, we talk about the ball. If you need help with a drill or anything, I'll do it.” it's the best of both worlds for me. I love rooting for Scott and everyone else. It's different trying to compare them like they might be the same, they definitely aren't – but there are benefits to it and I really enjoy it.”

In the two seasons since retiring from coaching, Steinauer has worked with general managers Ed Hervey in 2024 and Ted Gouveia in 2025. However, the team never won this title. following Goveia's tragic death due to cancer in September and it looks like it will be operating without a real CEO for the next year.

Hamilton has used some unconventional front office schemes in the past and recently. hired Brock Sunderland as senior director of player personnel. Steinauer noted that the former Edmonton Elks general manager will take the lead on player acquisitions, but he will have the final say on any roster changes.

“It will be collaborative. Ultimately, someone has to make the final decision, and that will go through me,” Steinauer said. “I'm not a big title guy, as you know by being around me and actually walking around our building. I'm interested in roles and responsibilities. I'm in charge of everything in football operations. When we had a general manager, it was no different. It still falls on me, my full responsibility for everything. Like I said, it's more about roles, responsibilities and clarity, not about the title.”

Both the title and Steinauer's role next season are crystal clear, although it remains to be seen whether the coaching itch will return when the next round of vacancies opens in 2027.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats finished first in the East Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record, although the team lost to the Montreal Alouettes in the East final. Bo Levi Mitchell led the CFL with 5,296 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions after starting all 18 regular season games, earning an Eastern Division Most Outstanding Player nomination.

The Tiger Cats ranked third in net offense, eighth in net defense and first in turnover differential plus ten. The club's leading rusher was Greg Bell with 1,038 yards, the leading receiver was Kenny Lawler with 1,443 yards, and the leading tackler was Stavros Kasantonis with 69 tackles. Hamilton ranked fourth in attendance with an average attendance of 22,858, up 3.9 percent from the previous year.